Outcomes of Early Detection and Intervention of Children with Disability: Perspectives from Philippine Public School Teachers and Administrators

ABSTRACT

Early Detection and Intervention (EDI) is a system of services that promote development in the critical early years of childhood. It serves as an invaluable support to achieve Inclusive Education (IE). With limited literature regarding perspectives from public schools regarding EDI, this research engages the stakeholders from public schools of Filipino Children with Disability (CWD) to describe outcomes of EDI. Three focus group discussions participated in by 21 public school teachers and three key informant interviews of four school administrators from three cities in Metro Manila, namely Taguig, Paranaque, and Pateros, were conducted. Through comparative analysis using NVivo 11, three major themes emerged: (1) child outcomes seen in the skills and occupational performance of CWD; (2) systemic outcomes experienced in the surrounding context, encompassing the family, school and community, and (3) factors affecting EDI outcomes. Results suggest the need to have concrete strategic action to address system bottlenecks in EDI, imperative for successful IE. The importance of the environment where CWD partake in should be addressed for inclusion, equally important with addressing the capabilities of the CWD. Healthcare practitioners should take the initiative in advocating for coordination of medical and educational professionals to facilitate meaningful participation of CWD in education.

KEYWORDS:

• Children with disability
• disability-inclusive education
• early detection
• early intervention
• inclusion
• inclusive development
• outcomes evaluation
• Philippines

Acknowledgments

The researchers would like to express gratitude to the assistance extended by Save the Children, the participants, namely the principals and teachers who shared their time, knowledge and experiences which would contribute to the improvement of EDI programs. Likewise to Ms. Pamella Mae Tiomico as a valuable research assistant of this study.

Disclosure Statement

During the implementation of this study, no conflict of interest was encountered among the stakeholders, NGOs, and LGUs involved.